Summary: In 2009, we are going to encounter many storms, but Jesus has given us the key to experiencing a victory that overcomes the world – our faith. Therefore, let us learn what faith is, and how we can strengthen our faith.

OPENING: I love New Year’s! It’s always exciting because we are leaving the old behind, and everything becomes new! All of our past mistakes and failures are left behind us. We can make new year’s resolutions, and decide to make things different. Are you content with where you’re at in your relationship with the Lord? If not, then let’s make some changes!

QUOTE: “If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll have what you’ve always had.”

• “Be willing to do whatever it takes to have what you want.”

KEY TEXT:

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith.” (1 John 5:4).

• Nike means to conquer, overcome, get the victory. There’s a battle to fight, but we win!

• Michael Jordan said, “I play to win. The day I stop improving is the day I walk away from the game.” He threw 300 baskets a day, and that’s why he was victorious!

THE BIG IDEA:

In 2009, we are going to encounter many storms, but Jesus has given us the key to experiencing a victory that overcomes the world – our faith. Therefore, let us learn what faith is, and how we can strengthen our faith.

2009 STORM WATCH:

Prophetic warning – there are storms ahead! For the world in general, and believers specifically. In our families, our finances, our health, and more. This is not to discourage you. God shows us what’s coming so we can get ready for it!

BIBLE STORY – JESUS CALMS THE STORM:

“On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, "Let us cross over to the other side." Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?" And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, "Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!” (Mark 4:35-41).

• Note first of all that the storm came as the disciples were following Jesus.

• The disciples were in the boat with Jesus, but they still went through a great storm.

• The disciples said, “Don’t you care?” Sometimes when we go through storms we are tempted to think that Jesus doesn’t care about us.

• Jesus was shocked by His disciples. He said, “Why do you have no faith?”

• After the storm, the disciples had a greater revelation of who Jesus was.

FOUR TRUTHS ABOUT STORMS:

1. STORMS ARE INEVITABLE:

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world!” (John 16:33).

• Jesus said you’re going to go through storms, so don’t be surprised by them!

In 2009, we are going to encounter many storms, but Jesus has given us the key to experiencing a victory that overcomes the world – our faith. Therefore, let us learn what faith is, and how we can strengthen our faith.

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